OCCUPATION AND HEALTH ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (23): 3294-3298.

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Research status and prospects of prolonged sitting/standing work and work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Sanhua XIAO, Ranran LIU, Zhidong LIU()   

  1. Department of Quality Management,Huizhou Occupational Health Hospital,Huizhou,Guangdong 516008,China
  • Received:2025-07-24 Revised:2025-10-10 Online:2025-12-01 Published:2025-12-10
  • Contact: Zhidong LIU
  • About author:LIU Zhidong,Chief physician,E-mail:hzzyws@163.com

Abstract:

The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) have been extensively studied. However,research conclusions on the association between prolonged sitting/standing work and WMSDs are inconsistent,necessitating further analysis. This article summarizes the results of multi-factor logistic regression studies on the risks of prolonged sitting/the protective effects of prolonged standing,the protective effects of prolonged sitting/the risks of prolonged standing,and the lack of findings indicating that prolonged sitting/prolonged standing are influencing factors. Although most studies report negative results,prolonged sitting is more likely to be a risk factor for neck and shoulder WMSDs,while prolonged standing is more likely to be a risk factor for lower limb WMSDs. Therefore,it is essential to strengthen health protection for specific body regions among occupational groups with prolonged sitting/standing based on industry/job characteristics to curb the prevalence of WMSDs.

Key words: Prolonged sitting, Prolonged standing, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Influencing factors

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